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How to hire a senior mechanical technician

Senior mechanical technician hiring summary. Here are some key points about hiring senior mechanical technicians in the United States:

  • HR departments typically spend 15% of their expenses on recruitment.
  • It usually takes about 12 weeks for a new employee to reach full productivity levels.
  • It typically takes 36-42 days to fill a job opening.
  • The median cost to hire a senior mechanical technician is $1,633.
  • Small businesses spend an average of $1,105 per senior mechanical technician on training each year, while large companies spend $658.
  • There are currently 29,242 senior mechanical technicians in the US and 91,558 job openings.
  • Livermore, CA, has the highest demand for senior mechanical technicians, with 9 job openings.
  • Houston, TX has the highest concentration of senior mechanical technicians.

How to hire a senior mechanical technician, step by step

To hire a senior mechanical technician, you should create an ideal candidate profile, determine a budget, and post and promote your job. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to hire a senior mechanical technician:

Here's a step-by-step senior mechanical technician hiring guide:

  • Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
  • Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
  • Step 3: Make a budget
  • Step 4: Write a senior mechanical technician job description
  • Step 5: Post your job
  • Step 6: Interview candidates
  • Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new senior mechanical technician
  • Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist
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  1. Identify your hiring needs

    Before you post your senior mechanical technician job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a senior mechanical technician for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

    Determine employee vs contractor status
    Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

    A senior mechanical technician's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, senior mechanical technicians from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

    This list shows salaries for various types of senior mechanical technicians.

    Type of Senior Mechanical TechnicianDescriptionHourly rate
    Senior Mechanical TechnicianMechanical engineering technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture mechanical devices, including tools, engines, and machines. They may make sketches and rough layouts, record and analyze data, make calculations and estimates, and report their findings.$22-41
    Engineering TechnicianAn Engineering Technician's duties vary according to the industry or company, whether mechanical, industrial, civil, agricultural, or more. However, most of the time, the responsibilities often revolve around resolving technical issues, working with and assisting Engineers in building, assembling, designing, gathering and testing data, and conducting more manual activities... Show more$17-46
    TechnicianTechnicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with... Show more$11-27
  2. Create an ideal candidate profile

    Common skills:
    • Hand Tools
    • Safety Procedures
    • Technical Support
    • Mechanical Problems
    • Mechanical Equipment
    • Test Equipment
    • Safety Standards
    • Plumbing
    • SR
    • CAD
    • Ventilation
    • Engineering Drawings
    • Assembly Procedures
    • Mechanical Systems
    Check all skills
    Responsibilities:
    • Read and interpret drawings involving HVAC installation and electrical diagrams.
    • Own / maintain building, and factory HVAC equipment, i.e.
    • Test electro-mechanical subsystems for circuit integrity and operational reliability.
    • Create functional 3d models and drawings or modify as necessary through the ECO process.
    • Develop and maintain document control system for purchase and manufacture parts including accurate BOMS and ECN implementation.
  3. Make a budget

    Including a salary range in your senior mechanical technician job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A senior mechanical technician salary can vary based on several factors:
    • Location. For example, senior mechanical technicians' average salary in kentucky is 52% less than in hawaii.
    • Seniority. Entry-level senior mechanical technicians earn 46% less than senior-level senior mechanical technicians.
    • Certifications. A senior mechanical technician with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
    • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a senior mechanical technician's salary.

    Average senior mechanical technician salary

    $64,237yearly

    $30.88 hourly rate

    Entry-level senior mechanical technician salary
    $47,000 yearly salary
    Updated December 19, 2025
  4. Writing a senior mechanical technician job description

    A senior mechanical technician job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. To help get you started, here's an example of a senior mechanical technician job description:

    Senior mechanical technician job description example

    **Sign On Bonus of $5,000\!\!**

    **Hours:** Schedule is 12\-hour shifts \(36\-48 hour alternating weeks\)

    Week 1: Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday / 6 AM to 6 PM

    Week 2: Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday / 6 AM to 6 PM

    _What an Electrical Engineering Technician contributes to Cardinal Health_

    Electrical Engineering Technicians are responsible for building, testing and troubleshooting electrical/electronic circuitry and other systems used in finished equipment\. This role will support Manufacturing in the Medical Segment\.

    _Accountabilities_

    + Repair and maintain all molding equipment and facilities expediently to ensure the safe and efficient operation of all equipment required to maintain a positive and productive workplace\.
    + Troubleshoot all electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic, and mechanical systems in the molding department \(robotic systems, IMM, ultrasonic welders and other auxiliary equipment\)\.
    + Strong multi\-tasking skills and the ability to communicate effectively at all levels throughout the organization and strong decision\-making skills based on established policies, procedures, and guidelines\.
    + Understands principles of a Color Measurement system and continually monitors Color data\.
    + Ensure that all maintenance records and related paperwork are filled appropriately and kept in compliance with FDA & ISO standards\. Documents and maintains all relevant process data to ensure quality and dimensional stability of parts throughout production\.
    + Perform work in a safe manner and ensure that molding machines and auxiliary equipment are cleaned and in a safe working condition after all work is completed\.
    + Promote teamwork and ensure that all maintenance work orders and projects, assigned by Maintenance crew leader/supervisor, are generated/opened and closed in timely manner\.
    + Maintain Plant Star ownership\. Immediate follow up on Plant Star down time reason codes and correct down time code reasons if needed\.
    + Initiate a root cause investigation to address any major maintenance equipment failure\. Report investigation results immediately to maintenance crew leader\.
    + Suggest and make modifications to equipment to increase productivity and reduce overall cost and equipment failure\. Works with and assists Engineering to provide assistance in equipment installation, qualification, validation and capability studies and start up of new equipment\.
    + Knowledge of statistical process control, robotics, material handling, chillers, automation and process troubleshooting of various types of thermoplastic injection molds, machines and resins to ensure efficient production of quality products\.
    + Ability to perform tool set\-up, start\-up, shut\-downs, maintenance repairs and preventative maintenance on injection molding machines\. Must be able to read and understand blueprints and schematics\.
    + Participate in department continuous improvement plans and process of specific injection molding presses, molds and auxiliary equipment through Kaizen improvements activities\.
    + Prior experience with Allen Bradley Control Logix Processors and RSLogix 5000\. Understanding of control system design and network communication interfaces is desired\. Fault analysis of PLC based systems with control logic alteration if required\.
    + Test continuity of circuits in electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures, reading, using, and interpreting testing and measuring devices such as ohmmeters, voltmeters, and oscilloscopes, to ensure compatibility and safety of system\.
    + Advanced knowledge of all aspects of control systems used for all aspects of injection molding machine, auxiliary equipment\.

    _Qualifications_

    + HS Diploma or GED, preferred
    + Technical Certification or equivalent experience in related field, strongly preferred
    + Advanced knowledge of electrical, pneumatic, robotic, hydraulic, and PLC, strongly preferred
    + Injection molding experience, preferred
    + Knowledge of electrical safety/arc flash

    _What is expected of you and others at this level_

    + Applies knowledge and company policies to complete a variety of tasks
    + Demonstrates a working knowledge of jobs outside area of responsibility
    + Maintains appropriate licenses, training and certifications
    + Works on assignments that are moderately difficult requiring judgment in resolving issues
    + May assist in recommendation of processes on new assignments
    + Adheres to all quality guidelines
    + Works with limited supervision\. Work occasionally involves review of output by work lead or supervisor
    + May provide general guidance or technical assistance to less experienced team members

    Your safety is our top priority\. We regularly consult with medical professionals on best practices in COVID\-19 prevention to protect our employees\. We train our employees on these best practices and regularly clean our sites in accordance with CDC guidelines\. Please note: All individuals entering our facilities are required to complete a self\-health check, wear a mask and follow all posted guidelines\.

    _Cardinal Health supports an inclusive workplace that values diversity of thought, experience and background\. We celebrate the power of our differences to create better solutions for our customers by ensuring employees can be their authentic selves each day\. Cardinal Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer\. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, veteran status, marital status, creed, status with regard to public assistance, genetic status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law\._

    _To read and review this privacy notice click_ here \(https://www\.cardinalhealth\.com/content/dam/corp/email/documents/corp/cardinal\-health\-online\-application\-privacy\-policy\.pdf\)

    Cardinal Health is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer\. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status\.
  5. Post your job

    There are various strategies that you can use to find the right senior mechanical technician for your business:

    • Consider promoting from within or recruiting from your existing workforce.
    • Ask for referrals from friends, family members, and current employees.
    • Attend job fairs at local colleges to find candidates who meet your education requirements.
    • Use social media platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to reach potential job candidates.
    Post your job online:
    • Post your senior mechanical technician job on Zippia to find and recruit senior mechanical technician candidates who meet your exact specifications.
    • Use field-specific websites.
    • Post a job on free websites.
  6. Interview candidates

    During your first interview to recruit senior mechanical technicians, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

    Remember to include a few questions that allow candidates to expand on their strengths in their own words. Asking about their unique skills might reveal things you'd miss otherwise. At this point, good candidates can move on to the technical interview.

    The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

  7. Send a job offer and onboard your new senior mechanical technician

    Once you've selected the best senior mechanical technician candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

    It's also important to follow up with applicants who do not get the job with an email letting them know that the position is filled.

    Once that's done, you can draft an onboarding schedule for the new senior mechanical technician. Human Resources should complete Employee Action Forms and ensure that onboarding paperwork is completed, including I-9s, benefits enrollment, federal and state tax forms, etc. They should also ensure that new employee files are created for internal recordkeeping.

  8. Go through the hiring process checklist

    • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
    • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
    • Define job responsibilities and requirements
    • Establish budget and timeline
    • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
    • Write job description
    • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
    • Promote the job internally
    • Process applications through applicant tracking system
    • Review resumes and cover letters
    • Shortlist candidates for screening
    • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
    • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
    • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
    • Conduct background checks on top candidates
    • Check references of top candidates
    • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
    • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
    • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
    • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
    • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
    • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)
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How much does it cost to hire a senior mechanical technician?

Before you start to hire senior mechanical technicians, it pays to consider both the one-off costs like recruitment, job promotion, and onboarding, as well as the ongoing costs of an employee's salary and benefits. While most companies that hire senior mechanical technicians pay close attention to the initial cost of hiring, ongoing costs are much more significant in the long run.

The median annual salary for senior mechanical technicians is $64,237 in the US. However, the cost of senior mechanical technician hiring can vary a lot depending on location. Additionally, hiring a senior mechanical technician for contract work or on a per-project basis typically costs between $22 and $41 an hour.

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